Lucknow: The Yogi Adityanath-led government is set to instill a spirit of patriotism among the youth by commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Kakori Train Action. Through the ‘Kakori Train Action Centenary Festival,’ the government aims to inspire the present and future generations with the heroic tales of the Kakori incident and the bravery of India’s freedom fighters.
Starting from August 9, the Shatabdi Mahotsav will feature a variety of activities and events spread across the entire state throughout the year. School children, teenagers, and youth will be actively involved in this celebration through various competitions such as general knowledge quizzes, drawing and painting, calligraphy, essay writing, speeches, and debates. Winners of these competitions will be honored with cash prizes and certificates during the Independence Day celebrations on August 15 at both district and state levels.
To ensure extensive participation, the government has enlisted the cooperation of teachers and students from government and private institutions across various educational sectors, including basic, secondary, higher, technical, vocational and medical education. These institutions will help organize and host the competitions at district and state levels, ensuring a widespread and inclusive celebration.
In addition to these activities, CM Yogi has directed that educational institutions conduct ‘Prabhatpheri’ processions. These processions, involving children walking half a kilometer to one kilometer with pictures of freedom fighters and placards bearing patriotic slogans, aim to instill a sense of patriotism in the youth. Furthermore, school prayer meetings will feature headmasters and teachers sharing stories of freedom fighters to raise awareness among students.
The Centenary Festival will also include a series of competitions focusing on the freedom fighters, significant events, and places related to India’s struggle for independence. The Culture Department will organize a general knowledge competition covering topics such as the Kakori Train Action, the Mainpuri Conspiracy Case, and other events from 1857 to 1947. A painting competition based on these themes will be held for teenagers and youth, with the best entries displayed in various public spaces, including monuments, auditoriums, and government offices.
For younger children aged 5 to 12, a calligraphy competition will be organized, while teenagers will participate in an essay competition. Both competitions will revolve around heroes, events, and places associated with the freedom struggle. Additionally, speech and debate competitions focusing on the inspiring events and heroes of the Kakori Train Action will be held at college, higher education institute, and university levels.
Winners to receive prizes on Independence Day
These competitions will be held at district and state levels. A selection committee will be formed by the District Magistrate (DM) for the selection of the winners at the district level. The winners will receive cash prizes and certificates during the Independence Day program on August 15.
The competition awards at the district level will be Rs 10,000 for first place, Rs 7,500 for second place, Rs 5,000 for third place, and Rs 1,000 each for seven consolation prizes, while at the state level, the awards will be Rs 51,000 for first place, Rs 21,000 for second place, Rs 11,000 for third place, and Rs 5,000 each for seven consolation prizes.